The Vineyard- March 30, 2014

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Isaiah 49:1-13

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          Listening to Jesus

o   Why do you think scripture stresses the importance of listening to Jesus?  What can we learn from him?

-          The Incarnation

o   Jesus existed as the Word from the beginning of time.  If God had a plan in place to redeem us all along, what does that tell you about the importance of our redemption?

-          Jesus is our Covenant

o   What does it mean to have Jesus as our covenant?  How does the gift of Jesus show us God’s commitment to having a relationship with us?

-          Following Jesus

o   Jesus redeems us, and also leads us.  If you have trusted in Christ for your salvation, have you also trusted him to lead you each and every day?

Pray that we will listen to Jesus, and learn from what he can teach us about living a life pleasing to God. 

Pray that we will be strengthened to live faithfully in our covenant with God. 

Pray that we will follow Jesus each and every day. 

Prayer Requests- March 30, 2014

Prayer Requests:

Praise:  Ruth Sheltman was able to go home.  George Johnson had a successful appendectomy.  Billy Joe Monroe was able to go home.  Pat Paul and family made it home safely.   Pat Paul, Jason Babb, and Ray & Joyce Burge are doing better.  Darlene is also doing better, but still in need of prayers.    

Recent Requests: George Johnson, Dustin Lacaze, Neiko Bradford, Shela Kline, Halyn Smith, Andrew Juneau, Wayne Cook, Dennis Sharpe, Karen Melder, Allan Babb, Chelse Martin, Anna Thibadoux, , Walter Beard, Dale Cloud, Payton Conway, Julie Wright, Aunt Charlene Babb, Paul Bailey, Eric Sipco, Sylvia Johnson, Brody Carraway

Pray for your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Continuing Requests: Kowyn Austin, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Jeff Bedsole, Conner Bouchie, Carl Chellette,  Marie Cook, Sharon Cook, Lynn Diboll, Sampson Doyle III, Michael Fuller, Travis Gillespie, Bill Goree; Robert Gough, Robert Gunter, Kathryn Hardy, Grady Harper, Velma Hayes, Darlene Holt, James Johnson, Darwin Jones, Mascel Keith, Drake Martin, Sarah Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Ben Mealer, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Billy Joe Monroe, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Bob Peterson, Carol Pfile, Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Ruth Sheltman, Estelle Simmons, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston, Bowe Bergdahl (P.O.W.), James Chandler; Horace Greene, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Shirley Cameron, Kennette Campbell, Gleeta Chamberlain, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, James Dunn, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Joe Donald Francis, Murray Ganson, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Darrel Johnson, Leah Johnson, Peggy Sue LeDoux Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Tessela Laborde, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Liz Latz, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Julie Milam, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Chris Parker, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Richard Simmons, Linda Sipco, Connor Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Dalton Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, John Kenner, Doris Polk

Travelling: Richard & Jeanne Simmons; Kyron Paul; Luther Paul; Linda Sipco

Deaths: The families of Lester Glass, Lacresha Dauzat, Elsie Clark, Arville Thompson, Judy Moore, Pete Richardson, Dottie Hagan, Freddie Baden, and Tom Fuller

Unspoken Requests

The Vineyard- March 23, 2014

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Philippians 4:10-23

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          I Can Endure All Things

o   In this passage is perhaps one of the most misapplied verses in all of scripture.  What Paul is really expressing is a dependency on Christ that allows him to endure anything that comes his way.  Would you be able to endure poverty, hardship, persecution, and sorrow if Christ was all you had?

-          Generosity as an Act of Worship

o   Paul says that when we bear the burdens of others by sharing with them, that our gifts rise to God as a fragrant aroma.  Do you view giving to others as an act of worship?  When you look at it that way, are you more likely to be generous?

-          Greet Every Christian

o   Are you willing to greet every brother and sister in Christ?  If not, why?  How would Jesus feel about Christians not speaking to one another?

Pray that we will see Christ as being so sufficient in our lives, that we will be able to endure all things. 

Pray that we will see chances to give to others as what they truly are, opportunities to worship God with our generosity.

Pray that God will heal any rifts that exist between you and other Christians. 

Prayer Requests- March 23, 2014

Prayer Requests:

Praise:  Ruth Sheltman had successful open heart surgery, and surgery to put in a pacemaker.  Julie Wright had another successful surgery on her wrist.  Neiko Bradford made it home safely.  Debbie Boniol, Kay Carruth, and Jaycee Fuller are all doing better. 

Recent Requests: George Johnson, Dustin Lacaze, Neiko Bradford, Darrel Johnson, Shela Kline, Jason Babb, Ruth Sheltman, Grady Harper, Halyn Smith, Andrew Juneau, Wayne Cook, Dennis Sharpe, Karen Melder, Allan Babb, Billy Joe Monroe, Chelse Martin, Anna Thibadoux, , Walter Beard, Carl Chellette, Dale Cloud, Payton Conway, Julie Wright, Aunt Charlene Babb, Paul Bailey, Darlene Holt, Eric Sipco, Sylvia Johnson, Brody Carraway

Pray for your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Continuing Requests: Kowyn Austin, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Jeff Bedsole, Conner Bouchie, Ray & Joyce Burge, Marie Cook, Sharon Cook, Lynn Diboll, Sampson Doyle III, Michael Fuller, Travis Gillespie, Bill Goree; Robert Gough, Robert Gunter, Kathryn Hardy, Velma Hayes, James Johnson, Darwin Jones, Mascel Keith, Drake Martin, Sarah Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Ben Mealer, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Bob Peterson, Carol Pfile, Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Estelle Simmons, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston, Bowe Bergdahl (P.O.W.), James Chandler; Horace Greene, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Shirley Cameron, Kennette Campbell, Gleeta Chamberlain, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, James Dunn, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Joe Donald Francis, Murray Ganson, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Leah Johnson, Peggy Sue LeDoux Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Tessela Laborde, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Liz Latz, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Julie Milam, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Chris Parker, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Richard Simmons, Linda Sipco, Connor Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Dalton Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, John Kenner, Doris Polk

Travelling: Pat Paul  family; Kyron Paul; Luther Paul; Linda Sipco;

Deaths: The families of Lacresha Dauzat, Elsie Clark, Orville Johnson, Judy Moore, Pete Richardson, Dottie Hagan, Freddie Baden, and Tom Fuller

Unspoken Requests

The Vineyard- March 16, 2014

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Philippians 4:1-9

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          Christ is bigger than our differences

o   Sometimes we allow our differences, or disagreements, to have far more influence than they should.  Christ is bigger than both our difference and our disagreements.  Are you allowing things that are relatively small compared to Christ, keep you at odds with someone?

-          Praying about everything, anxious about nothing

o   When anxiety presses in on you, how do you handle it?  Is your first reaction to pray?  If not, why not?  What worries and cares are you holding onto, that you need to release to God?

-          What a wonderful world

o   Despite the brokenness we encounter every day, the world is still a beautiful place, created by an awesome God.  The talent of an artist, the scope of the night sky, the beauty of creation, the laugh of a child; all these things point us to God.  Are you slowing down enough to take notice of them? 

Pray that we will find unity and reconciliation in Christ.    

Pray that our prayer lives will be so comprehensive, that we are released from our anxiety.

Pray that God will open our eyes to the beauty around us.  

Prayer Requests- March 16, 2014

Prayer Requests:

Praise:  Ruth Shelton had successful open heart surgery.  Jordan Strother made it home safely.  Richard Simmons got a good report from his oncologist, and will not have to undergo more chemo for the time being.  Gracie Harper, Lisa Johnson, and Philip Orr are all doing better. 

Recent Requests: Ruth Shelton, Grady Harper, Halyn Smith, Andrew Juneau, Wayne Cook, Jaycee Fuller, Dennis Sharpe, Karen Melder, Allan Babb, Billy Joe Monroe, Chelse Martin, Debbie Boniol, Anna Thibadoux, Carl Holloway, Walter Beard, Carl Chellette, Dale Cloud, Payton Conway, Julie Wright, Aunt Charlene Babb, Paul Bailey, Darlene Holt, Eric Sipco, Sylvia Johnson, Brody Carraway

Pray for your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Continuing Requests: Kowyn Austin, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Jeff Bedsole, Conner Bouchie, Ray & Joyce Burge, Kay Carruth, Marie Cook, Sharon Cook, Lynn Diboll, Sampson Doyle III, Michael Fuller, Travis Gillespie, Bill Goree; Robert Gough, Robert Gunter, Kathryn Hardy, Velma Hayes, James Johnson, Darwin Jones, Mascel Keith, Drake Martin, Sarah Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Ben Mealer, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Bob Peterson, Carol Pfile, Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Estelle Simmons, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston, Bowe Bergdahl (P.O.W.), James Chandler; Horace Greene, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Shirley Cameron, Kennette Campbell, Gleeta Chamberlain, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, James Dunn, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Joe Donald Francis, Murray Ganson, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Leah Johnson, Peggy Sue LeDoux Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Tessela Laborde, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Liz Latz, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Julie Milam, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Chris Parker, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Richard Simmons, Linda Sipco, Connor Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Dalton Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, John Kenner, Doris Polk

Travelling: Kyron Paul; Luther Paul; Linda Sipco; Neiko Bradford

Deaths: The families of Dottie Hagan, Freddie Baden, Tom Fuller, Francis Irvine, John Abrusley, Danny “Tiny” Townson; Dustin Cole; and Lupita Sierra

Unspoken Requests

The Vineyard- March 9, 2014

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Philippians 3:12-4:1

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          Don’t look back, run!

o   We find in this passage Paul using the analogy of running a race when speaking of the Christian faith.  As runners, we can’t dwell on our previous steps, but instead must focus on reaching the finish line.  What missteps or setbacks from your past are you allowing to distract you from the race?

-          Maturity is knowing your imperfection

o   Those who are mature as Christians, realize that there is still much more to be done before we are conformed to the image of Christ.  Can you identify areas where you still need to grow as a Christian?  We all have them, the mark of a mature Christian is recognizing them!

-          What or Who is your god?

o   Paul criticizes those whose god is “their stomach”, referring to them as “enemies of the cross”.  What lusts or passions are calling the shots in your life?

Pray that we will trust in God’s grace for our past, and press ahead in our Christian walk. 

Pray that God will reveal the areas in your life that need work. 

Pray that our passion for Christ will outstrip our passion for all other things.

Prayer Requests- March 9, 2014

Prayer Requests:

Praise:  Carl Holloway is doing pretty good after having a pacemaker put in, and was able to be back at worship with us.  Cody & Whitney Melder, and Bo Johnson made it home safely.        

Recent Requests: Dennis Sharpe, Karen Melder, Allan Babb, Billy Joe Monroe, Chelse Martin, Gracie Harper, Debbie Boniol, Anna Thibadoux, Dottie Hagan, Carl Holloway, Walter Beard, Carl Chellette, Lisa Johnson, Mascel Keith, Dale Cloud, Payton Conway, Julie Wright, Aunt Charlene Babb, Paul Bailey, Darlene Holt, Eric Sipco, Sylvia Johnson, Brody Carraway

Pray for your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Continuing Requests: Kowyn Austin, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Jeff Bedsole, Conner Bouchie, Ray & Joyce Burge, Kay Carruth, Marie Cook, Sharon Cook, Lynn Diboll, Sampson Doyle III, Michael Fuller, Travis Gillespie, Bill Goree; Robert Gough, Robert Gunter, Kathryn Hardy, Velma Hayes, James Johnson, Darwin Jones, Drake Martin, Sarah Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Ben Mealer, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Bob Peterson, Carol Pfile, Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Estelle Simmons, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston, Bowe Bergdahl (P.O.W.), Horace Greene, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Shirley Cameron, Kennette Campbell, Gleeta Chamberlain, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, James Dunn, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Joe Donald Francis, Murray Ganson, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Leah Johnson, Peggy Sue LeDoux Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Tessela Laborde, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Liz Latz, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Julie Milam, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Chris Parker, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Richard Simmons, Linda Sipco, Connor Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Dalton Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, John Kenner, Doris Polk

Travelling: Kyron Paul; Luther Paul; James Chandler; Linda Sipco; Jordan Strother; Neiko Bradford

Deaths: The families of Tom Fuller, Francis Irvine, John Abrusley, Danny “Tiny” Townson; Dustin Cole; Lupita Sierra, Edwin Matthews, Paul Barron; Shelli Welch; and Harold Robinson

Unspoken Requests

The Vineyard- March 2, 2014

The Vineyard

I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. – John 15:5

Philippians 3:1-11

Pray for God to speak to you through the reading of His word. 

Read the passage. 

-          Where is your confidence?

o   Paul speaks of different things he could have confidence in, his birth, training, opinions, or works.  Instead though, he says all those things are like rubbish compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ his Lord.  Is your confidence in things, other people, yourself, or is it in Jesus Christ?

-          Are you “in Christ”?

o   Usually when Paul refers to being “in Christ”, he is speaking of our redemption that is found in Christ.  However, being in Christ is a state of being that applies to more than just our salvation.  Do you exist in Christ, so that all of your decisions, so that your thought process itself is shaped by who Christ is?

-          Resurrection, Dying, Resurrection

o   Paul closes this section by speaking of the resurrection, then suffering and death, and then the resurrection again.  Does the power of Christ’s resurrection motivate you to suffer for others as he did?  Does it give you the faith to die to yourself? 

Pray that we will count all things as loss, compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Jesus Christ our Lord.      

Prayer Requests- March 2, 2014

Prayer Requests:

Praise:  Danny Thompson is back at work and in remission after 1.5 years of treatment for cancer!  Robbie Bruner had successful surgery.  Justin Simmons is doing better. 

Recent Requests: Debbie Boniol, Anna Thibadoux, Dottie Hagan, Carl Holloway, Walter Beard, Carl Chellette, Bob Peterson, Lisa Johnson, Mascel Keith, Dale Cloud, Payton Conway, Julie Wright, Aunt Charlene Babb, Robbie Bruner, Paul Bailey, Darlene Holt, Eric Sipco, Sylvia Johnson, Michael Fuller, Brody Carraway

Pray for your enemies.  (Matthew 5:44)

Continuing Requests: Kowyn Austin, Roanne Ballio, Makenzie Bankston, Jeff Bedsole, Conner Bouchie, Ray & Joyce Burge, Kay Carruth, Marie Cook, Sharon Cook, Lynn Diboll, Sampson Doyle III, Travis Gillespie, Bill Goree; Robert Gough, Robert Gunter, Kathryn Hardy, Velma Hayes, James Johnson, Darwin Jones, Drake Martin, Sarah Martin, Mattie McReynolds, Ben Mealer, Dot Melder, Mark Melder, Arvis Midkiff, Harvey Paul, Harvey Paul, Jr., Carol Pfile, Dewanna Polk, Thelma Polk, Estelle Simmons, Aiden Stewart, Erica Gillette Stewart, Eva Stewart, Myrtle Strother, Jolee Rayne Terrell, Azaria Thompson, Martha Townsend, Jeanie Winegeart

Deployed Military:  Tyler Bankston, Bowe Bergdahl (P.O.W.), Horace Greene, and those serving in the military

Cancer Patients:  Sylvia Bollock, Myrtis Bond, Larry Book, Shirley Cameron, Kennette Campbell, Gleeta Chamberlain, Jerry Cole, Dorothy Crane, Sally Crooks, James Dunn, Donna Dyson, Ruth Ann Fisher, Joe Donald Francis, Murray Ganson, Jared Gordon, Stacy Gough, Leah Johnson, Peggy Sue LeDoux Johnson, Roger Johnson, Virginia Johnson, Mr. Kelly, Tessela Laborde, Johnny LaHay, Dot Langston, Liz Latz, Mariliyn Lavisphere, Kaylee Lesta, Julie Milam, Bob Morrow, Joe O’Neal, Jeanie O’Rorke, Chris Parker, Joan Schneider, Donny Shows, Richard Simmons, Linda Sipco, Connor Smith, Wally Pullen Smith, Walter Stagg, Glennell Stanley, Jackie Teasely, Dalton Welch, Shane West, Charles Whitten, Britney Wilson, Charles Young

Nursing Homes:  Mary Ann Fuller, Tom Fuller, John Kenner, Doris Polk

Travelling: Kyron Paul; Luther Paul; James Chandler; Bo Johnson & Linda Sipco; Cody & Whitney Melder; Jordan Strother; Neiko Bradford

Deaths: The families of Danny “Tiny” Townson; Dustin Cole; Lupita Sierra, Edwin Matthews, Paul Barron; Shelli Welch; Harold Robinson, Debbie Nolan, Pete Stewart, and Steve Hayes

Unspoken Requests